The workshop was co-moderated by SPARKs’ Tanja Rosenmund together with Martin Zörnig of ForTra, guiding more than 300 participants through a dynamic program that fostered scientific exchange, cross-sector dialogue, and forward-looking discussions on the future of gene and cell therapies. The event featured keynote presentations by Carl June (Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA), Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte (San Diego Institute for Science, Altos Labs, USA), and Alessandro Aiuti (San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy), whose insights highlighted the latest advances and future directions in regenerative medicine, gene editing, and cell-based therapies.
As part of the National Strategy for Gene- and Cell-based Therapies, we were honored to co-organize this inspiring event. We were excited to see our SPARK-funded teams take the stage and deliver compelling pitch presentations, showcasing innovative translational projects and highlighting the breadth of talent within our community.
Another highlight was the poster session, which created a fantastic atmosphere for networking, discussion, and new collaborations. We were especially pleased to bring together many of our funded teams in one place, creating opportunities for scientific exchange, and new connections across projects and institutions. It was remarkable to see participants discussing shared challenges, identifying potential synergies, and exploring future collaborations.
A special congratulations goes to Philippe Vollmer Barbosa (Hannover Medical School), who impressed and was awarded the Pitch Prize, as well as Malte Tiburcy (University Medical Center Göttingen), Agnese Fiori (Charité - University Medical Center Berlin)/Niklas Hubert (Fraunhofer IPK Berlin), and Jenni Fleischauer (Hannover Medical School), whose excellent posters were recognized with Poster Prizes.
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on key topics shaping the future of gene and cell therapies. Discussions also addressed the financing needs of translational projects, covering various investment models, alongside practical considerations for bringing innovative therapies to patients. Particularly insightful were the panel discussions on GMP manufacturing and production capacities, as well as conversations on how European gene and cell therapy centers can learn from one another, share best practices, and strengthen collaborative infrastructures across borders.
In true SPARK fashion, the workshop was not only about showcasing innovation but also about building skills. Prior to the meeting, our SPARKees participated in dedicated training sessions focused on developing compelling pitch decks and strengthening stage presence, supported by a professional actress and pitch coach. These workshops helped participants refine their communication strategies and deliver confident, impactful presentations during the event.
The enthusiasm, openness, and collaborative spirit throughout the workshop highlighted the strength of the gene and cell therapy community and the importance of bringing together diverse stakeholders to accelerate translation. We thank all speakers, participants, organizers, and partners who contributed to making this event such a success and look forward to continuing the momentum generated during these two inspiring days.
Together, our journey continues to SPARK innovation in gene and cell therapies and help bring promising ideas closer to patients.
